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LOT 0674
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Demeter Holding Ear of Corn
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (2.21 grams, 19 mm).
Set in a silver mount with beaded edge; the intaglio depicting Demeter draped, advancing left and holding ear of corns in her right hand.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.3342, for similar.
FootnotesDemeter and Hecate were linked to the afterlife cult, so it is possible that the ring to which the bezel belonged was a funerary gift. Demeter (Ceres for the Romans) was the Greek goddess of the harvest, the cycle of life and death and sacred law.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0674
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Demeter Holding Ear of Corn
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Horse Brooch
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The style of the animal is typical of the Pannonian area. It is different from similar fibulae in the western part of the empire, where there is more suggestion of movement. However, in general the head and body are modelled with realism, and the forelegs are acting as a wide flat catch-plate. -
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Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
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1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
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